What comes to mind when you think of classic American food? For me, the Gourmet Cookbook comes to mind. On a recent skim through this classic cookbook I was pleasantly surprised at the number of vegetarian recipes it contained.

The description before one pasta dish reads, “This gutsy country dish makes a great meatless main course.” That dish is Orecchiette with Cauliflower and Lacinato Kale and here is the delicious and satisfying vegetarian recipe (the anchovy fillets have been left out to keep the dish truly vegetarian).

Directions

3. Meanwhile, cook cauliflower in a 6 to 18 quart pot of boiling water (1 tablespoon salt per every 4 quarts water) until very tender, about 8 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer cauliflower to a bowl. Remove and reserve 1 cup cooking water. Cook kale in remaining boiling water until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain in a colander, pressing on kale to remove excess water.

4. Heat 1/3 cup oil in a deep 12 to 13 inch heavy skillet over moderate heat. Add garlic and chilies and cook, stirring, about 1 minute. Add cauliflower and coarsely mash with back of spoon or a potato masher. Stir in kale, 1/2 cup parsley, and 2/3 cup reserved cooking water. Bring to a boil and season with salt and pepper. Remove skillet from heat.

5. Cook pasta in a 6 to 8 quart pot of boiling salted water (1 tablespoon salt per every 4 quarts water) until al dente; drain.

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